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Dexamethasone

PrescriptionCDSCO approved
Long-acting glucocorticoid
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
4 available
Interactions
6 documented
Formulations
4

Mechanism of action

Potent glucocorticoid with minimal mineralocorticoid activity; 7x more potent than prednisolone; suppresses inflammation and immune responses

At a glance

Class
Long-acting glucocorticoid
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C, protect from light
CDSCO (India)
Vet-approved — 1960-01

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Cerebral oedema / spinal cord trauma
Dose
0.5–2 mg/kg
Route
IV
Frequency
Once, then taper
Max dose
40 mg
Duration: Single dose or 24-48 hours
Anti-inflammatory (general)
Dose
0.07–0.3 mg/kg
Route
PO, IV, IM
Frequency
SID
Max dose
8 mg
Duration: Short-term (3-5 days) then switch to prednisolone for taper
Shock (controversial)
Dose
4–8 mg/kg
Route
IV
Frequency
Single dose
Max dose
200 mg
Duration: Single dose only
🐈

Cat

Anti-inflammatory
Dose
0.07–0.3 mg/kg
Route
PO, IV, IM
Frequency
SID
Max dose
4 mg
Duration: Short-term
Feline asthma (acute)
Dose
0.25–1 mg/kg
Route
IV, IM
Frequency
Once, then taper to oral prednisolone
Max dose
4 mg
Duration: Single dose; transition to prednisolone
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 2

Strength
0.5mg
Available in India
Strength
4mg
Available in India
💉

Injectable (dexamethasone sodium phosphate) — 2

Strength
4mg/mL
Available in India
Strength
8mg/2mL
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C, protect from light

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Systemic fungal infections
    Severe immunosuppression worsens fungal disease
  • Concurrent NSAIDs
    Severe GI ulceration risk
    MeloxicamCarprofen

Use with caution

  • Diabetes mellitus
    Potent hyperglycaemic effect — may precipitate diabetic ketoacidosis
  • Pregnancy
    Can induce abortion/premature labour

Adverse effects

Common
PU/PD
Polyphagia
Panting
GI upset
Serious
GI ulceration/perforation
Pancreatitis
Iatrogenic Cushing syndrome
Adrenal suppression
Diabetes mellitus

Monitoring parameters

Blood glucoseElectrolytesGI signsBody weight
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

Major — 6

Meloxicam
major
Corticosteroid + NSAID: dramatically increased risk of GI ulceration and perforation
Management: AVOID concurrent use. Allow 3-5 day washout between drugs.
Firocoxib
major
NSAID + corticosteroid: additive GI ulceration risk even with COX-2 selective NSAID.
Management: Avoid concurrent use. Allow 3-5 day washout between switching. If overlap unavoidable, gastroprotect and monitor closely.
Carprofen
major
NSAID + corticosteroid: markedly increased GI ulceration and hemorrhage risk.
Management: Do not combine. Allow washout period (minimum 3-5 days NSAID; longer for depot steroids).
Deracoxib
major
COX-2 selective NSAID + corticosteroid still causes significant GI ulceration risk.
Management: Avoid. COX-2 selectivity does not protect against steroid-mediated mucosal damage.
Glipizide
major
Corticosteroid-induced insulin resistance directly opposes sulfonylurea effect. Dexamethasone is very potent — even short courses decompensate diabetic control.
Management: Avoid in diabetic patients. If essential, monitor glucose intensively. Insulin likely needed.
Insulin, Glargine
major
Potent corticosteroid-induced insulin resistance. Dexamethasone 25-30x cortisol potency — profound hyperglycemic effect.
Management: Avoid in diabetics. If unavoidable, expect 50-200% insulin dose increase. Hypoglycemia risk when steroid discontinued.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Brands

India

Dexona
Zydus
Dexavet
Intas

International

Decadron
MSD
Dexafort
MSD

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Dexamethasone?
Dexamethasone is a long-acting glucocorticoid used in pets. Potent glucocorticoid with minimal mineralocorticoid activity; 7x more potent than prednisolone; suppresses inflammation and immune responses
›What is Dexamethasone used for in pets?
Dexamethasone is used in veterinary medicine for: Cerebral oedema / spinal cord trauma; Anti-inflammatory (general); Shock (controversial); Anti-inflammatory; Feline asthma (acute).
›What is the Dexamethasone dose for dogs?
For dogs, Dexamethasone is typically dosed as follows — Cerebral oedema / spinal cord trauma: 0.5–2 mg/kg IV Once, then taper; Anti-inflammatory (general): 0.07–0.3 mg/kg PO/IV/IM SID; Shock (controversial): 4–8 mg/kg IV Single dose. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Dexamethasone dose for cats?
For cats, Dexamethasone is typically dosed as follows — Anti-inflammatory: 0.07–0.3 mg/kg PO/IV/IM SID; Feline asthma (acute): 0.25–1 mg/kg IV/IM Once, then taper to oral prednisolone. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Dexamethasone?
Common: PU/PD, Polyphagia, Panting, GI upset. Serious (call your vet immediately): GI ulceration/perforation, Pancreatitis, Iatrogenic Cushing syndrome, Adrenal suppression, Diabetes mellitus.
›Does Dexamethasone need a prescription?
Yes. Dexamethasone is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Dexamethasone not be used?
Do not use Dexamethasone if: Systemic fungal infections; Concurrent NSAIDs.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Long-acting glucocorticoid).

Betamethasone
Rx
Binds intracellular glucocorticoid receptors, modulating gene transcription to suppress inflammatory and immune responses; inhibits phospholipase A2, reducing prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis
dogcat
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